Networx: Kitchen remodel ideas: Myth vs. Fact

Thursday

Aug 31, 2017 at 10:09 AMAug 31, 2017 at 10:09 AM

Laura Firszt More Content Now

My next-door neighbor and I had our first disagreement last night. The subject: “Kitchen Remodel: To Do or Not to Do?” We live side by side, each in a condo with an identical very, very 90s kitchen design. I would love to upgrade mine; he firmly believes that acquiring a taste for renovation is dangerous, making you crave a new kitchen remodel every five years.

This got me thinking. Seems homeowners believe a lot of “kitchen remodel myths,” ideas about kitchen remodeling that don’t necessarily make sense. In the interest of objectivity, read on as we answer popular myths with the facts.

MYTH: A kitchen remodel isn’t worth the bother. It’ll just go out of style in five years, anyway.FACT: Your kitchen remodel is not only about looks: a well-planned kitchen design will make this essential room more efficient, easier to clean, and a welcoming place to gather with your family and friends.

Do be sure to select materials in attractive neutral colors and classic styles for a kitchen remodel that’ll look fresh and appealing for years to come.

MYTH: The most convenient time for a kitchen renovation is right after you close on a house, before moving in.FACT: Buying a house is expensive (probably the priciest purchase you’ll ever make), and brings you lots of related costs like furniture, landscaping, and so on. It makes sound financial sense to wait a few years until you can afford the kitchen remodel you want.

What’s more, once you’ve lived in your home for a while, you’ll be much better equipped to plan a kitchen design that optimizes the available space, and suits your family’s traffic patterns and routines.

MYTH: “Go big or go home.” You must do a lavish, floor-to-ceiling kitchen remodel to get the best return on investment when you’re about to sell your house.FACT: Potential buyers tend to be more interested in your home’s state of repair than whether you have the latest and greatest kitchen decor. And a small kitchen remodel will usually reap a better ROI than a big one (80.2 compared to 65.3 percent, on average), says Remodeling Magazine’s Cost Vs Value report.

MYTH: You will need to remodel everything or the older parts will look shabby.FACT: An expert remodeler can help you plan a small kitchen remodel that will skillfully integrate new elements with old — for example, replacement flooring that is color coordinated with your existing kitchen cabinet doors and wall paint.

MYTH: Quartz countertops are better than granite. OR: Granite countertops are better than quartz.FACT: Both quartz and granite are top-quality, high-performance materials for your countertops. Each has pros and cons. Do your research into granite vs. quartz countertops and decide which one you personally prefer.

MYTH: The only solution for drab, dreary kitchen cabinets is (expensive) replacement.FACT: Kitchen cabinets in good shape can be refreshed in any of these time- and money-saving ways:— Repaint with latex or chalk paint.— Refinishing. Gel stain requires only minimal sanding and is simple to apply.— Refacing (replacing only your kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts).MYTH: Fancy features for kitchen cabinets — like pot and pan organizers or pullout corner fittings — are just frills … AKA a waste of money.FACT: Installing kitchen design features that save you time and hassle means money well spent. That’s the conclusion of the Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence, whose survey found that homeowners’ biggest kitchen remodel regret was failing to include more organizational aids.

MYTH: There’s no such thing as an eco-friendly kitchen remodel.FACT: You can easily green your kitchen remodel using these tips:Replace outdated appliances with efficient Energy Star certified models to reduce electricity consumption. Then recycle the old appliances for parts or scrap metal.

Once kitchen cabinets are removed from the wall, reuse them to organize your basement or garage storage. Or donate them to Habitat for Humanity.